Dutch delegation discusses post-LDC trade with TEAM Group

A Dutch delegation on Monday discussed post-LDC trade opportunities, sustainable manufacturing and clean energy with TEAM Group’s management during a visit to its 4A Yarn Dyeing Ltd factory in Dhaka.
Led by Steven Collet, vice-minister for international cooperation of the Netherlands, the delegation discussed decarbonisation, responsible sourcing, supply chain traceability and emerging European Union (EU) sustainability regulations, according to a press release.
The talks also covered the proposed Bangladesh-EU Free Trade Agreement, cooperation with Dutch apparel brands and development partners, circularity, digital product passports and workforce development.
During a tour of the outerwear manufacturing facility, the visitors observed its rooftop solar power plant, rainwater harvesting system, fair-price shop and childcare facilities.
The factory is LEED Platinum-certified by the US Green Building Council and has signed the United Nations Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action.
Collet said Bangladesh’s garment industry was an important part of global value chains and needed to combine competitiveness with responsible production. He praised the factory’s investment in clean energy and transparency.

Afroza Shahin, managing director of TEAM Group, said investment in sustainability was increasingly important to maintaining the competitiveness of Bangladesh’s apparel industry amid changing trade rules and energy challenges.
She said cooperation with the Netherlands could help promote safer, fairer and greener production.
The delegation included Wampie Libon, ambassador for sustainable development; Joris van Bommel, ambassador of the Netherlands to Bangladesh; Helal Hussain, country director of Swisscontact Bangladesh; Selim Reza Hasan, country manager of Solidaridad Network Bangladesh; Bablur Rahman, country manager for Bangladesh at Fair Wear Foundation; and Muyeed Hasan, country manager of AWARE Bangladesh.
TEAM Group Deputy Managing Director Abdullah Hil Nakib and other senior officials welcomed the visitors.

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